As the heat continues to persist with no rain in sight, Okotoks is now requiring residents to reduce outdoor water usage.
According to an Aug. 16 press release, extended hot and dry weather and lack of precipitation have left reservoir levels between 65 and 75 per cent.
Additionally, the Town has now moved to Stage 3 (Orange) of the Water Shortage Response Plan as a proactive measure to ensure there is sufficient water for indoor household use and fire suppression.
The Town is now asking Okotokians to refrain from outdoor water use on the weekends.
“While the Town’s licensed water supply is sufficient to meet community needs, wells are experiencing reduced production capacity due to lengthy hot and dry weather patterns,” said water services manager Davey Robertson.
“The support of residents is needed to help alleviate the pressure on our wells and we kindly ask the community to refrain from outdoor water use over the weekends.”
Stage 3 will remain in effect until reservoir levels and the projected forecast are favourable for increased outdoor water usage.
For residents concerned about their gardens, hand watering is always an option and may be done at any time when using a container or manual trigger nozzle to water flowers, vegetable gardens and newly planted trees or shrubs until they are established. Please note, hand watering does not apply to lawns. Residents may apply for a water exemption permit if they have new sod or are growing from seed.
The Town is committed to conserving and protecting its water supply and will continue to manage water resources wisely by monitoring river flows and usage patterns, and adjusting well production accordingly.
For the latest updates and more information on the watering stages and how to apply for an exemption permit, visit okotoks.ca/watering.
